5 Elevated Pieces I Know Will Take My Spring Outfits From Basic to Beyond Chic

By Kevin Harson28 March 2025

Spring in the UK is always a bit of a tease. One minute, the sun is streaming through the window and making you think it's time to pack away your coats for good, and the next, you step outside and realise you were wildly optimistic just a moment ago. Still, the clocks are about to change, the days are stretching longer and there's no denying that the mood has shifted. This means our wardrobes need to catch up. I've spent the past few hours deep in the new-in sections, scrolling through page after page of fresh spring pieces, because if there's one thing I love, it's finding those key staples that feel new but still work with what I already own. The goal? Items that don't just nod to the season's biggest trends but have longevity too; if I'm investing in something, I want to be wearing it well beyond the next few months.

So, where to find this newness? NET-A-PORTER has long been my go-to for sourcing those forever pieces that just make sense in my wardrobe. Yes, the online retailer curates trend-led items incredibly well, but what I appreciate most is its ability to highlight what feels both current and classic. I know that if I buy a great blouse or a pair of jeans from NET-A-PORTER, I won't just be wearing them this spring; I'll be reaching for them year after year. And let's be honest: between weddings, bank holiday plans, and those last-minute "let’s sit outside" dinner invitations, having a few versatile options on hand is essential.

Right now, I have my eye on a few key buys: easy, throw-on blouses, light-wash jeans that instantly make an outfit feel spring-ready and a great lightweight jacket (because, well, it's the UK). I'm also considering a new dress or two; something that works for those dressier moments but doesn't feel overdone. These are the kind of pieces that slot effortlessly into my wardrobe—some will pair with my NET-A-PORTER finds from last spring and others will give my reliable staples a fresh update. Below, I've rounded up my edit of new-season pieces I'd happily add to my wardrobe right now.

Shop NET-A-PORTER Spring New-In Pieces:

1. Light Denim

I've been wearing darker denim washes all winter, but as soon as spring arrives, I'll be swapping them for something lighter. Right now, I'm drawn to looser straight-leg fits that have a vintage-inspired feel; timeless, effortless and incredibly wearable.

Shop Light-Wash Jeans:

MOTHER

The Full-Pipe Flood High-Rise Tapered Jeans

I've tried Mother Denim, and its jeans fit like a dream.

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY

Miro Distressed Mid-Rise Barrel-Leg Jeans

These distressed barrel-leg jeans will look great with everything from heels to chunky sandals.

TOTEME

High-Rise Wide-Leg Organic Jeans

If you want to tap into the palazzo jeans trend, this Toteme pair is super soft and perfectly shaped.

AGOLDE

Ren Frayed High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

A flattering high-rise with just the right amount of structure.

2. Timeless Dresses

There's nothing easier than a throw-on dress, and spring always delivers plenty of options. This season, I'm drawn to breezy midis, structured shirt dresses and sleek column silhouettes that require minimal styling. The best part? They work just as well with trainers for daytime as with heels for evening plans, making them one of the most versatile pieces in any wardrobe.

Shop Easy Dresses:

JACQUEMUS

Agave Pleated Paneled Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress

Simple but so striking. Add statement earrings and you're done.

ABADIA

Sama Gathered Cotton-Poplin Maxi Shirt Dress

A throw-on-and-go option that still looks considered.

DÔEN

Quinn Tie-Detailed Shirred Organic Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress

The entire Who What Wear UK team loves this dress.

ZIMMERMANN

Tiered Plissé-Taffeta Midi Dress

The tiered design gives this just the right amount of romance.

3. Delicate Blouses

In my opinion, a great blouse is often overlooked. It's the easiest way to transition out of knitwear without going into full summer mode. Whether it's a crisp poplin shirt, a soft linen button-down or something with pretty detailing, it instantly pulls an outfit together.

Shop Blouses:

RÓHE

Tie-Detailed Polka-Dot Silk Blouse

The kind of blouse that makes an outfit. I'd wear it with vintage-inspired denim and ballet flats for that effortless Parisian feel.

ISABEL MARANT

Jenna Gathered Organic Cotton-Gauze Blouse

I already know I'd live in this. It would work just as well over swimwear as with a pair of jeans.

ULLA JOHNSON

Peggy Ruffled Gathered Silk Crepe De Chine Blouse

If your spring wardrobe needs a little lift, this is it. I'd style it with tailored trousers and barely-there sandals.

Brown and lace? A dreamy, on-trend combination for spring.

4. Polished Skirts

A well-chosen skirt can transform even the simplest outfit. Whether paired with a fitted knit, an oversized blazer or a simple T-shirt, skirts can make an outfit feel instantly more refined with minimal effort.

Shop Fresh Skirts:

TOTEME

Parachute Silk-Blend Maxi Skirt

The silk-blend fabric makes this ideal for warmer days, plus, it's the perfect length.

THE FRANKIE SHOP

Peri Silk-Blend Organza Midi Skirt

I love the partially opaque organza fabric—it makes the skirt feel a little undone in the best way.

DÔEN

Sebastiane Tiered Striped Organic Cotton-Voile Midi Skirt

This Dôen piece is the definition of a spring skirt.

ULLA JOHNSON

Luisa Fil Coupé Cotton-Voile Midi Skirt

So elegant, but a boxy T-shirt will make it feel cool.

5. Spring-Ready Jackets

Spring's unpredictable weather means a reliable jacket is essential. I'm leaning towards classics like a trench coat as well as modern updates—think cropped silhouettes, relaxed blazers and corduroy textures. The best jackets are versatile enough to throw over any outfit, adding just the right amount of warmth whilst keeping things stylish.